From Missile Shields to Jet Engines: PM Modi's defence roadmap puts sector back in focus
The announcement of 'Sudarshan Chakra' came days after Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir reportedly hinted at targeting Indian assets along the border, including Reliance Industries Limited's Jamnagar refinery in Gujarat, in the event of any future military confrontation between the two neighbouring countries.
Announcing the launch of the new defence system, Modi said it will be aimed at neutralising enemy threats and enhancing India's offensive capabilities.
The defence sector has been receiving a significant boost in recent years due to escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region and along India's borders with China and Pakistan.
During 'Operation Sindoor,' India showcased the strength of its indigenously developed defence systems and successfully intercepted drones and missiles launched by Pakistan. Modi's announcements further highlight India's commitment to producing critical military technologies entirely within the country and exporting them globally to friendly nations.
"In the next ten years, by 2035, I want to expand, strengthen, and modernise this national security shield. Drawing inspiration from Lord Shri Krishna, we have chosen the path of the Sudarshan Chakra," PM Modi said at the ramparts of the iconic Red Fort.
"The nation will be launching the Sudarshan Chakra Mission, and the entire modern system should be researched, developed, and manufactured in India, harnessing the talent of our youth. This powerful system will not only counter terrorist attacks but also strike back at the terrorists," he added.
This mission aims to develop a Dome-like defence system designed to safeguard critical sites, including civilian areas.
Though the prime minister did not elaborate on the new air-defence system, experts said it could be on the lines of Israel's Iron Dome all-weather air-defence system, known as a highly effective missile shield.
Modi further urged the youth of the country to develop jet engines within India, adding, "Today, I urge the young scientists, talented youth, engineers, professionals, and all departments of the Government that we should have our jet engines for our own Made in India fighter jets."
His emphasis on developing an indigenous jet engine also assumes significance as it came amid some hitch in sealing a deal between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and US defence major GE Aerospace to jointly produce a jet engine to power the next generation of India's combat aircraft.
GE Aerospace has faced delays in delivering its jet engines to HAL, which in turn has pushed back the aerospace company's handover of Tejas fighter jets to the Indian Air Force.
India began work on an indigenous jet engine nearly 35 years ago under the Kaveri engine programme. Sanctioned by the Cabinet Committee on Security in 1989, the project was intended to power the country's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). However, the engine is still not ready for operational use.
The annual defence production has soared to an all-time high figure of ₹ 1.5 lakh crore in the FY25. The milestone represents a robust 18% growth over the previous fiscal's output of ₹ 1.27 lakh crore, and a staggering 90% increase since FY 2019-20, when the figure was ₹ 79,071 crore.
India's domestically manufactured defence products are also gaining global traction, with exports also reaching a record high of ₹ 23,622 crore in FY 2024–25.
The government now aims to achieve annual defence exports worth ₹ 50,000 crore by 2029, further expanding its global footprint. Orders for the BrahMos missile surged after it played a crucial role in Operation Sindoor, targeting Pakistani military infrastructure, including air bases, army cantonments, and terror camps.
(With inputs from PTI, ANI)
Disclaimer: This story is for educational purposes only. The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts or broking companies, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
25 minutes ago
- Time of India
Matcha in Demand: How South India is Embracing the Trend
Strawberry Matcha at Dou, Nungambakkam Nirmal Raj, founder of Buddies Café and Dandjo Teas in Ooty, has been selling matcha since 2015. But of late, says the tea merchant, the quantities he has had to procure have more than quadrupled. 'Till a couple of years ago, I used to buy only 500g a month. It's now 8kg a month and rising,' says Nirmal. He's not sure what's driving the surge, but he's planning to ride the wave with a matcha dessert menu soon. It's game, set, matcha everywhere. Namratha Marlecha, founder of Sante Spa Cuisine in Chennai, is also seeing an increase in demand for their matcha dishes. 'We've been around for more than seven years now, and hardly a handful of people used to try our smoothie matcha bowl or matcha pina colada, for the health benefits. Today, almost every table has someone ordering matcha dishes. The demand has pushed us to rework our menu and add more matcha drinks,' says Namratha. A finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves, matcha involves consuming the entire powdered young leaf, offering a more concentrated dose of nutrients and antioxidants, unlike regular green tea, where you steep the leaves. Once a niche Japanese import, matcha is now riding the social media wave into cafés, kitchens, and even personal tea collections across Chennai. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai | Gold Rates Today in Chennai | Silver Rates Today in Chennai Latshyamitra R says every time she opens her Instagram account, her feed is filled with matcha tea recipes. So much so that the UX designer got curious, bought 30g of ceremonial-grade matcha online, a premium quality powder traditionally used in the Japanese tea ceremony, for Rs 800. 'I made matcha drinks with caramel, strawberry and vanilla,' says Latsyamitra. 'I'm planning to bake next,' she says. Saravanan B V, a brand designer from Ooty, initially tried it for its high antioxidant properties and health benefits. But soon he fell in love with the taste and now collects matcha varieties. Not all matcha tastes the same, says Saravanan. Indian matcha has an astringent taste (a dry, puckering sensation in the mouth) that comes from the altitude difference and the way it is ground, compared to Japanese matcha. The Japanese matcha, says Alexander R K, chef at Dou, Nungambakkam, has a unique flavour profile; a delicate balance of earthiness, umami and subtle bitterness making it a versatile ingredient that blends well with sweet and savoury dishes. 'We are trying to use matcha as salt in barbecue meats and tempura,' says Alexander. 'They are still in a trial phase, but show promise among adventurous diners. We're also exploring matcha-infused sauces and glazes that can complement Asian-inspired small plates and grills,' he adds. Matcha Brownie Café owners and tea merchants say they procure their matcha from Japan or Assam (the only place in India where it is grown). Chota Tingrai in Assam's Tinsukia district is the only tea estate in the country that produces it. 'We've been making green tea at Chota Tingrai using Japanese technology since the 1980s, but matcha requires far greater precision and investment,' says tea manufacturer Mrigendra Jalan of Jalan Industries. The estate is experimenting with the Yabukita cultivar and its Assam equivalent, slowly moving toward Japanese standards with both ceremonial and culinary grades. 'The process is slow and costly, as one Japanese grinding machine costs Rs 40 lakh and produces just 10kg a day,' he says. South India has the potential to grow matcha, says Jalan, but the climate and altitude will influence its flavour profile. 'South Indian tea is not as strong as Assam tea, and less bitter. While Assam works on refining production, demand from Chennai, Bengaluru, and Ooty is already surging, pointing to a future where locally grown matcha could complement imports from Japan.' Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
25 minutes ago
- Time of India
MIM slams NCERT changes, role of RSS
1 2 Hyderabad: AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Saturday said that the BJP govt at the Centre should include the book 'Muslims Against Partition' by Shamsul Islam in the NCERT-recommended syllabi. "This lie about partition is repeated time and again. At that time, not even 2–3% of Muslims had the right to vote. Only elitists such as zamindars and jagirdars were enfranchised. Even today, they (RSS and BJP) blame us (Muslims) for the partition of the country. How were we responsible for that? Those who fled, fled. Those who were loyal, stayed," he said. Responding to media queries regarding proposed changes to the NCERT syllabus concerning the partition of the country, he stated that the RSS was never part of India's freedom struggle and did not participate in the Quit India Movement, the Salt Satyagraha, or other agitations. "Why don't they include in the NCERT syllabus that the RSS hated freedom fighters more than the British did? The RSS always sided with the British. Let them teach students all of this as well. No, they only want to spread hatred against Muslims," Owaisi alleged. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad | Gold Rates Today in Hyderabad | Silver Rates Today in Hyderabad The Hyderabad MP also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for praising the RSS in his Independence Day address, calling it a "great insult" to India's freedom struggle. He claimed the RSS never participated in the independence movement. "The RSS's Hindutva ideology has always been contrary to the Constitution. It was wrong for the PM to praise an organisation that spreads hatred in the country," he asserted. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
The Hindu
25 minutes ago
- The Hindu
U.S. team may defer August 25 India visit for trade pact talks: Official
A U.S. team, which was scheduled to visit India from August 25, for the next round of negotiations for the bilateral trade agreement is likely to defer the meeting to a later date, an official said. So far, five rounds of talks have been completed for the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) and a U.S. team is scheduled to visit India for the sixth round of talks. The negotiations were scheduled from August 25-29. "This visit is likely to be rescheduled," the official, who did not wish to be named, said. Deferment or rescheduling of the meeting assumes significance as the U.S. has announced a staggering 50% duty on Indian goods. The U.S. is pressing for greater market access in politically sensitive areas such as agri and dairy sectors, which India cannot accept as it affects the livelihood of small and marginal farmers. India has stated that it will not compromise the interests of farmers and cattle rearers. The U.S. and India have announced plans to conclude the first phase of BTA by fall (September-October) of 2025. The two countries are aiming at more than doubling the bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030, from the present $191 billion. While the 25% tariff on Indian goods entering the U.S. has come into effect from August 7, an additional 25%, was announced on India as penalty for buying crude oil and military equipment from Russia, will come into effect from August 27. During April-July, the country's exports to the U.S. increased 21.64% to $33.53 billion, while imports rose 12.33% to $17.41 billion, according to Commerce Ministry data. The U.S. was the largest trading partner of India in the April-July period ($12.56 billion bilateral trade) 2025-26. India's exports to America are recording positive growth since April this year.
